delusory

adjective

de·​lu·​so·​ry di-ˈlü-sə-rē 

-zə-,

dē-

: deceptive, delusive

Synonyms

• misleading
• deceptive
• false

Examples of delusory in a Sentence

the delusory notion that wealth invariably brings happiness

Recent Examples on the Web

That is delusory of course, but it can be fashioned into a victory claim that might well be readily embraced by war-weary and war-wary Russians in the public and among the elite. —John Mueller, Foreign Affairs, 29 Nov. 2022

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, "false, deceitful," borrowed from Medieval Latin dēlūsōrius "deceptive, illusory," from Latin dēlūdere "to deceive, dupe" + -tōrius, deverbal adjective suffix originally forming derivatives from agent nouns ending in -tōr-, -tor — more at delude

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for delusory

• conclusory
• illusory

Kids Definition

delusory

adjective

de·​lu·​so·​ry di-ˈlü-sə-rē 

-zə-

: deceptive, delusive